MCCDC: SoulFULL

“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” ~ Maya Angelou, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now”

Our souls need rest. Maya Angelou says it beautifully. Jesus says it simply: “come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). There is spiritual rest in the worship of God. In worship, we experience the presence of God and our souls find rest in the knowledge that God is greater than that which drains our souls.

The psalmist proclaims: “O God, you restore our souls” (Psalm 23:3). Worship reminds us that God is God: and we’re not. We are all students of the ways of God. Jesus say, “Learn from me” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus, the radical rabbi, is the teacher of our souls. His teachings are restorative and reformative. Grounded in love, Jesus leads us to openness, movement, change, renewal and healing. In my message at 9AM and 11AM this Sunday, we’ll explore the call of Jesus to learn the ways of living with souls that are full. See you Sunday.

By Faith, Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lauren Bennett, MCCDC Covenant Liturgy & Prayer June 25, 2017

Last Sunday this MCCDC congregation entered into covenant relationship with Lauren Bennett. As Lauren started her seminary student internship, this covenant liturgy was shared. It is presented here in case you missed it watch the video below

MCC Conference for People of African Descent(PAD)

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS!

Today I registered for the MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Friends and Advocates (PAD). This is the 9th PAD Conference. Through the years, I have been challenged and inspired at these conferences. I have received tools to help me be a better though imperfect advocate. I have also made friendships that provide mutual nourishment to keep doing the difficult yet joyful work of justice. I would like for at least twenty people from MCCDC to join me from August 3-5 in St. Louis.

MCCDC supports the PAD Friends & Advocates conference and we plan on sending a delegation. Please plan on attending. Should you have questions please contact your MCCDC lay delegates or staff at churchoffice@mcccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

OLDER Adult Ministry POOL Party

Saturday, July 8th at 4:00 pm • 8312 20th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783
You and your friends are cordially invited to the MCCDC Older Adults Pool Party. It is a social affair with home cooked food, great oldies music, dancing, swimming, and just lounging around poolside. The cost is $10 to cover a complete meal. Meats are provid-ed; we ask that you bring side dishes such as vegetables, salads, desserts, breads, so-das, wine, ice, etc. Contact Darryl Walker after the 11:00 service to RSVP and to coordi-nate food donations. Also, email darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call (202) 297-6884.

Older Adult Monthy Meeting will take place during the pool party!!!

WOMEN’S GATHERING JULY 9TH

All who identify as woman are cordially invited to women’s space. We will have our next women’s gathering on July 9th from 12:30 – 2:30. Please watch this space for more information.

CHURCH NEWS

TRANS* ACTION

MCCDC is honored to host a Holy Conversation on Transgender Action. TRANS Activist Angel Collie will once again bring his brand of wisdom, knowledge and invitation. Angel will facilitate a workshop and conversation on Saturday July 22nd (lunch provided) and bring the message on Sunday July 23rd.

Attention

The SHARE ministry has been paused until further notice. If you would like more information about this ministry or if you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

MCCDC Drama Ministry

Are you creative? Do you like to tell stories? Have you imagined yourself playing different roles or acting on the Big Stage? Well, now’s your chance! Come one, come all and check out the Drama Ministry at MCCDC.

There will be an informational session on Sunday, July 16th, after both the 9:00 and the 11:00 services.No experience is required, but if you’ve got skills please come and join us! Attending the informational meeting in no way obligates you to this ministry. For more information, or to sign up today, please contact Rev. Jules Christian at enjoyingtoday@hotmail.com or 336-419-7579.

Men’s Circle on Sunday, July 16, at 12:30 pm

Calling all MCCDC men and male-centered people! Join us for a Men’s Circle on Sunday, July 16, at 12:30 pm following 11:00 worship, downstairs in the church conference room. This is a special time for socializing, networking, eating, and discussion. Our topic: “Faith of Our Fathers” – what did we learn about faith from our father(s), including from those, men and/or women, who acted as father figures in our lives? These learnings may be positive and helpful to us, or they may not. Either way, or perhaps a mix of the two, they influence our lives and our faith today. We can share, we can learn from, and teach each other.
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence, will guide the discussion so that many, if not all, voices are heard, and we can grow in our faith and witness together. He will also provide a vegetarian soup. Others are needed to provide paper goods, beverages, crackers, dessert, and any other items that you may want. If you can volunteer to help with supplies, or if you just plan on joining us, please contact Rev. Robin at RevRobin@mccdc.com or the church office at churchoffice@mccdc.com .

There also will be a sign-up sheet at the Information Station. We will conclude our time by about 2:30 to 2:45, in order to be out of the building before the Unity Fellowship congregation begins its service at 3:00 pm.

Sexuality and Spirituality

You are invited to join Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Writer-Theologian in Residence at MCCDC, on Saturday, July 15, for the third in a series of interactive workshops focused on Sexuality and Spirituality. This workshop will focus on “Difference Sex for Different Folks.”
In our time together, we will begin exploring different sexual styles, activities, and spiritualties. Our focus will not be on sexual orientation (which gender or genders/bodies and body types attract you) but on what we, and others, do when engaging sexual feel-ings. These include monogamy and various forms of consensual non-monogamy, kink and BDSM, and masturbation. Rev. Robin is planning the July 15 session as Part 1, with Part 2 to follow on Saturday, September 30.

The prior workshops offered by Rev. Robin involved an introduction to sexuality and spirituality in July, 2016 and creating new conversations around sex and spirit in No-vember, 2016.The workshop begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Some basic lunch ele-ments will be provided and participants are asked to consider bringing supplemental items to share.To register (or to pose questions), please contact Rev. Robin at RevRobin@ MCCDC.com. A signup sheet also will be at the Information Station at church or you may register with the office at ChurchOffice@MCCDC.com or 202-638-7373.

Financial Peace University,July 29th

Financial Peace University Starts at MCCDC on July 29th Please JOIN US! This life-changing class is taught by Dave Ramsey and coordinated by Jacqueline Laughlin at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C. in Washington, DC.

Mark Your Calendars!!!MCCDC and UFCD Partnership Sunday

August 13th is MCCDC and UFCDC Partnership Sunday and Combined Church Picnic sponsored by
the MCCDC Older Adult Ministry

MCCDC and Unity Fellowship Church, DC will celebrate our 2nd Anniversary by having a joint worship service and Picnic. Worship will begin at noon (NOTE WORSHIP TIME). The picnic will follow the service at 1:30 PM. For more information contact Robin Anderson at 252robin@gmail.com or contact the church office at:churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

DEADLINE: October 01, 2017,*NO LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION AND ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS*

Any First time Comers Please provide date of birth & home address with Check!

For more information – Call Ace Barbari Cell 703-303-2934

Theological Study to Liberia

Help Lauren’s Angels travel to Libera by donating to her travel:

Join Lauren’s Angels:

Our Intern, Lauren Bennett is going to Liberia as a part of her MDiv at Wesley Theological Seminary. This immersion trip will be led by Rev. Dr. Asa Lee. Founded in 1820 by American emancipated slaves, students will learn about Liberia’s deep and intertwined history with the US and the American Protestant church; from support in the 19th Century from benevolent Christian missionary societies to contemporary support in the face of Civil War, poverty, and Ebola. The pivotal role of the church in areas of economic development, healthcare and education will be of central interest on this immersion and Liberia’s resilience and perseverance will be instructive and formative to participants in this immersion. When Lauren returns she will host an event to share of her time abroad.

You can help her raise the $3,600 needed for the trip by becoming one of her angels. Angels will receive special updates and readings before and during her immersion. Anyone can become an angel at any level $1 to $1,000!

Thank you for your support through prayer and finances!

RECYCLING is COMING!!

Throughout the Bible God teaches that we are stewards of our world. To be better stewards, MCCDC will soon begin recycling. Until we roll out a full-blown recycling program, we are asking everyone to do two things. First, we generate a lot of paper waste like left behind bulletins, newspapers and magazines. Please take these items home with you to recycle. Second, DC outlawed styrofoam in 2014. We appreciate people contributing cups and plates to the church, yet to be in compliance with the regulation we cannot accept styrofoam items any longer. If you want to contribute, please bring paper items—better yet buy ones that contain recycled material already! Thank you so much for your generosity and spirit of service.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY

Please join the Tuesday Night Bible Study from 7-8 PM in the Welcome Hall. A time of community, fun learning and sharing. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

MCCDC LIVE STREAMING

MCCDC is going live! We have an opportunity to use of our AV system to reach outside our walls to many people who may not be able to join us in person. To make this happen we must have a subscription service that will provide us the ability to stream our services, concerts and special events, and expand opportunities for participation in our bible studies and other activities remotely. The testing done so far with streaming has generated a lot of excitement, particularly by those who have been unable to visit our church.

You can be a part of making this happen in a number of ways: (1) pray for our reach beyond the walls of our church (2) join others in donating to cover the one-time annual cost of the service and associated AV training for our volunteers; and (3) consider joining the AV ministry.

You also can give by text 202-999-3841. Please contact the church office with questions at 202-638-7373 or churchoffice@mccdc.com.

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga will be on break for the summer. Please watch this spot in the fall for the return of the class. If you have questions, please contact Rev Cathy at revcathy@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.
~Namaste~

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Adult Sunday School is held from 10:15 to 10:50. Please bring your coffee or tea to the upstairs conference room for the brief yet powerful time together. For more information contact Rose Herring at churchoffice@mccdc.com or 202-638-7373.

Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater

The Tuesday night Bible Study Ministry is sponsoring a trip to see the stage production of Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. The trip will be on Saturday Aug 19 leaving MCCDC by caravan at 8 AM and returning to MCCDC around 8 PM. This production will also complement the Tuesday Night Bible Study focus on the prophet Jonah in August. For more information please contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at baskerd6109@gmail.com or 202-638-7373.